SAN FRANCISCO -- The University of California has admitted its negligence was a substantial factor in the death of former California football player Ted Agu.
The 21-year-old defensive lineman died nearly two years ago after a strenuous team workout.
His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, arguing that Agu had sickle cell trait and should not have been put through an exercise where players sprinted up and down a hill while holding a rope together.
Experts say sickle cell, an inherited condition, can affect some athletes during periods of intense exercise.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported the university acknowledged liability in court papers signed Monday.